Miss April 2011: LILY
 
Occupation: Inventory Planner

Your motto: i can’t not shop

How long have you been pole dancing at Divine? about a year and a half

Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole? i’ve danced ever since i was little- ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and even a little salsa.

What made you decide to take pole dancing classes? i took some of those “cardio striptease” classes at the gym when they started becoming popular a few years ago but they weren’t anything like i thought they were going to be. when i started hearing about pole dancing being the next new fitness craze it seemed like a logical next step, so why not try it out?

Favorite class? (spins, inversions, or boudoir), and why? inversions because i’m doing things in that class that i had never thought i would be able to do

What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine? i still cannot get over how supportive all the women are towards each other. i think the last time i had such good relationships with other females was back in grade school before hormones kicked in.

Platforms or legwarmers? i’m going to go with platforms only because they don’t get in the way of climbing or inverting.

What are you currently working on technically? solidifying my twisted grip handspring and starting on my twisted grip descend
 
What are you working on artistically? dancing in my inversions

Do you have a favorite song to pole dance to? i don’t think i have just one. it depends on the mood. i’m really digging the new adele album right now, 21, but black and gold by sam sparro and secret by missy higgins are always good to dance to

We LOVE music at Divine.  What 3 songs would be featured on the soundtrack to YOUR life?

1. unfold by jason mraz

2. numb by linkin park

3. i will follow you into the dark by death cab for cutie

Guilty pleasure: trashy romance novels, young adult novels (which are basically the same thing just rated PG13 or R), the disney channel

Any inspirational advice you would like to share with newcomers? don’t give up. it’s hard, sometimes it hurts, and maybe you don’t think you’ll ever be able to do it, but one day you will. i never thought i would be able to climb a pole or hang upside down on one until i started taking these classes. a month ago i didn’t think i would be able to do the tricks i’m learning (and starting to stick!) now. be patient and keep trying. you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.

Miss March 2011: ARIEL

Occupation: Chemistry graduate student
Your motto: Everything in moderation, including moderation.

How long have you been pole dancing at Divine?
I started Pole 101 in May 2010, so that’s ten months now, I guess.  I didn’t realize it had been that long!

Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole?
I started rock climbing a couple of years ago, which I love.  Other than that, it’s just running and some lifting, though I just signed up for a kickboxing class!  As far as dancing goes, I did some ballroom and Latin dancing while in college, which I really enjoyed.

What made you decide to take pole dancing classes?
I honestly can’t remember!  I was just looking for something different and fun to change up my exercise routine.  So one day I started looking on Yelp for a pole studio, found Divine…and decided to give it a shot.

Favorite class? (spins, inversions, or boudoir), and why?
Inversions.  I just started a little while ago, so there’s still so much to tackle.  And I love the bone-wearying feeling of exertion I get from the class.

What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine?
I love how encouraging and supportive and genuine everyone is, and it’s always nice to see how happy everyone is to come out to dance.

Platforms or legwarmers?
Platforms – I have a shoe problem.

What are you currently working on technically?
Like I mentioned above, I just started inversions a couple of months ago.  I’m  working on getting a few of those basic moves down solid so that I start feeling more comfortable being upside down.  Also…I always forget to point my toes.  I should just tape them together every time I come to class.  Do you think that would help?  Haha.

What are you working on artistically?
Getting up to dance in front of everyone still gives me a bit of pause (I finally took my first boudoir class just last night, haha) so I always close my eyes in an effort to forget that there are people around.  I think these sort of inhibitions prevent me from finding my own way of dancing; I never really dance like there’s no one watching.  I don’t know what that would be like.  But I intend to find out.

Do you have a favorite song to pole dance to?
I love songs with a heavy, reverberating beat, something that I can feel drifting into my bones when I close my eyes.  Bass, bass, bass!  Some of my current favorites: Ryan Adams’s cover of “Wonderwall;” “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele.

We LOVE music at Divine.  What 3 songs would be featured on the soundtrack to YOUR life?
“Everlong” – Foo Fighters | ”Let Go” – Frou Frou | ”Sweetness” –  Jimmy Eat World

Guilty pleasure:
I…am boring.  I can’t think of anything that I’d be embarrassed to share.  And if I could, I would be too embarrassed

Any inspirational advice you would like to share with newcomers?
Even if you can’t get a move down (spin, invert, transition, whatever) on the first try, don’t give up!  I’m not one of the girls who can pick up a new spin just after seeing it once; I have to watch ladies do it three or four times before I feel like I understand how to move in the same way.  And then of course I have to try it over and over again before it begins to feel natural (and some moves never do – I’m talking to you, Butterfly Dip!).  Everything’s a progression, so never give up.

Miss January 2011: Nicole

Occupation:  Project Manager

How long have you been pole dancing at Divine? I’ve been a ‘Divine Mover” for 10 months.

Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole? I’ve been dancing since I was little. Tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop…I love it all! I’ve also been doing Bikram yoga (the hot kind) for years.

What made you decide to take pole dancing classes? My friend, Lily, brought me to an open house. I was captivated by the dancing and how the instructors moved. I’d been looking for something to do in addition to my yoga practice and figured pole dancing would be something fun to try. After 101, I thought a weekly Basic Spins class would be a nice supplement for yoga. I started with one class and became hooked!

Favorite class? (spins, inversions, or boudoir), and why? That’s a hard one; it really depends on my mood. If I had to pick, I’d say that my favorite class right now is Inversions. Inversions is still a fairly new space for me, so there’s a ton to learn. Also, the feeling of mastering (or at least being able to somewhat hold) something like Super Woman or incorporating an inversion that I’ve learned into my dancing is amazing!

What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine? I absolutely love the way that dancing at Divine makes me feel: sexy, womanly, confident in myself and with my body. I also love the atmosphere; everyone is always so encouraging and supportive. Being in that kind of an environment has helped me realize that not all women feel like they are in competition, which has made it a lot easier for me to develop friendships with women that I may not have been as keen on reaching out to before.

Platforms or legwarmers? Platforms all the way! I love the way that my pole shoes make me look and how I move when I wear them. Also, the high heel makes it easier for me to invert.

What are you currently working on technically? I’m working on getting stronger in my inversions by learning how to position my body and engage certain muscles to execute the invert correctly.

What are you working on artistically? I’m working on developing my soft side. Because I love R&B and Hip Hop, my natural tendency is to want to move fast, be sexy (in the “show you that I’m being sexy” way) and show my fire. I quickly realized that I move (and look) the best when I’m totally out of my head. And, I find that I’m most out of my head when I’m listening to slower, softer music that makes me dance in a completely different way.

Do you have a favorite song to pole dance to? I wouldn’t say that I have a favorite. My song of choice really depends on my mood. Right now, I’m really into “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver and “I Am Ready for Love” by India Arie. The song I always keep in my back pocket is “All I Want is You” by Miguel.

We LOVE music at Divine.  What 3 songs would be featured on the soundtrack to YOUR life? Wow…that’s a hard one! “Me, Myself and I” by Beyonce, “I Feel Pretty” by Sophie Milman, and “She Will be Loved” by Maroon 5.

New Years resolution? The intentions that I’ve set for the year are to push myself outside of my comfort zone in all areas of my life and spending more time with the people that are important in my life.

Any inspirational advice you would like to share with newcomers? I would tell newcomers to try to stay out of their heads as much as possible and not worry about how they look/what other people are thinking. If you do these two things, you’ll learn to move in a whole new way, become comfortable in your own skin and get to know a ton of wonderful women!

Miss December 2010: Tiffany H.

Occupation:  Paralegal

How long have you been pole dancing at Divine? I started 101 the beginning of April, so 7 months.  I can’t believe it’s been that long.

Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole? Well, as far as dance training, I’m always dancing in the club.  Does that count?  I’ve also been working out 4-5 days a week in the gym for the past couple of years (cardio, strength training, yoga, pilates).  So, I’m no stranger to physical activity.

What made you decide to take pole dancing classes? It’s something I’ve always wanted to try.  When I was back east, I did look into taking classes, but never got around to it.  Moving here last year was about change & taking a big chunk out of life.  There would be no more excuses for not doing what I want to do.  So, I did a search for pole dancing classes & found Divine’s website.  I went to the open house a few weeks later, and completely fell in love.

Favorite class? (spins, inversions, or boudoir), and why? I’m not in Inversions yet (I’m just not ready to be upside down), so I have no opinion about that class.  I love both Spins and Boudoir for different reasons.  I love Spins because I get to learn, well, different spins, climbs, transitions & different ways to incorporate them into my dance.  I love Boudoir because I can just dance.  Just me, the music, the pole, the wall & the floor.  Everything else disappears.

What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine? Hands down, it’s the people.  This is a very intimate form of dance.  You are stripped bare and vulnerable in front of people you’ve only known for a few months.  If the students and instructors at Divine weren’t as nurturing, friendly, supportive & helpful as they are, I couldn’t do this.

Platforms or legwarmers? Both.  I like my platforms for Spins because it helps with climbing.  I like my legwarmers for Boudoir because I just get tired of wearing shoes after dancing so many times.  However, I will switch it up & wear my legwarmers in Spins (I strip them off for climbing) & platforms in Boudoir.  This is a very long explanation for the fact that my choice of footwear depends on my mood that day.

What are you currently working on technically? Side leg climb!  Side leg climb and I are in the midst of a war.  It’s won the first few battles, but I will conquer it.  Oh yes, I will conquer it.

What are you working on artistically? As Angi puts it, dancing beyond the wave.  Trying to break through to the next level.  I still haven’t figured it out yet, but I’ll get there.  And when I do, watch out!

Favorite song to dance to? “No Love” by Eminem and Lil’ Wayne.  It just grabs me like no other song I’ve danced to before.  I can’t listen to it in the car anymore.  I get the urge to pull over & do the Butterfly Whip on a lamp post.

Naughty, or Nice? Both. 

Any inspirational advice you would like to share with newcomers? Stop worrying about what everyone else is doing.  Who cares if the woman next to you is doing Carousel to Straight Leg Spin to Pinwheel on the spinning pole (I bet that would make you dizzy)?  It doesn’t matter.  This is about your dance and your progression.  You’ll get there.  Just remember to breathe & enjoy the journey.

Miss November 2010: Beth D.

Occupation: I’m a yoga teacher and I also work in the special ed program at BF Day Elementary.

How long have you been pole dancing at Divine? I took my first class last October.

Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole? Yes, I’ve practiced yoga for about 10 years and I also love to work out in general. So I end up doing all different kinds of exercise like running, biking, lifting weights, dance, swimming, etc.

What made you decide to take classes? One day, the thought popped into my mind that I wanted to try pole dancing. It was totally on a whim as I knew almost nothing about it and had never seen it done before. In retrospect, I’m pretty sure that I was divinely inspired!

Favorite class? (basic/advanced spins, basic/advanced inversions, or boudoir), and why?  Hmmm, this is a tough question because I get something a little different out of every type of class. Boudoir classes are really special though. They’re perfect when I really want to just shut off my mind. I feel transported when I go to boudoir because I seem to enter this bubble that’s all about my sensory experience and not about learning something new. It always puts me in a different headspace. It’s almost like a drug!

What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine? The community at Divine is amazing. The teachers are so supportive and encouraging. It’s largely because of the supportive atmosphere that I feel safe being vulnerable in my dancing. Also, I love that Angi focuses so much on the meditative aspects of pole dancing by urging us to move super slow, breathe and tune into our bodies. That’s the part of pole that’s so addictive!!

Platforms or legwarmers? Legwarmers for warm up, platforms for dancing….

What are you currently working on technically? Inversions, specifically the outside knee hang.

What are you working on artistically? I love to move slowly while I’m dancing but lately I’ve been trying to add a little fire by incorporating the occasional quick movement. I think I’ve heard Angi call it “releasing the tiger?”

Favorite song to dance to? This changes daily!! So today, Hombre by M.I.A.

In lieu of Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for this season? I am thankful for my amazing friends and family, my health and pole dancing!!!

Any inspirational advice you would like to share with newcomers? I’m constantly reminding myself in my dancing that it’s not important what moves I do, it’s how I do them. The simplest moves are the sexiest when done with mindfulness and attention and breath!

I hope you are eating well and taking excellent care of your body. I know you never indulge in anything that may have an ill effect on your health – like dark chocolate peanut butter cups or Molly Moon’s ice cream, or those delicious, moist, frosting-topped Trophy Cupcakes. Right!!

If you are anything like me, you may have tried many times to quit the crack-rock sugar habit  – to no avail. Well, I have decided that instead of the madness of trying to take things out of my diet all the time, I am going to add things to my diet. It’s easier, and you can pat yourself on the back way more often.

I was encouraged this week after watching the documentary film, “Food Matters” on my Netflix. What an inspirational eye-opener! I have been wanting to eat more raw foods for many years, but felt under inspired because I didn’t fully understand the rewards of eating raw foods. I was also frequently discouraged by my seeming inability to change 36 years of eating habits.

The most shocking and motivating thing I learned from “Food Matters” is that when we eat cooked food, our immune systems react to it as if we were consuming a toxin. Shocking. Unbelievable. The cooked food then starts generating white blood cell activity against the cooked food we have just ingested. Apparently, cooking the food changes the food’s structure so that our bodies don’t recognize it. What a bummer! So what is a savory hot-food-lovin’ girl to do? Never eat another hot meal again? Curl up in a ball and cry? Resent my parents for not starting me young on raw food? Naw!

The happy news is that if we eat 51% raw, our immune systems will not activate the false alarm. As I’ve learned more and more about the beauty and benefits of eating raw, my resolve has strengthened and my commitment to eat raw foods has been reinvigorated. I’ve also learned a few new tricks that keep me going in my quest for great health. I will share these golden kernals of wisdom:

1. Inspire yourself by learning about the AWESOME benefits of eating raw food.
It is simply the best fuel for your bod. I like to feel high, but I don’t like to break the law. Eating raw is the new “mommy’s little helper.”  Who needs Percocet when you can eat raw and get a clean, healthy, guilt-free high? How many people are out there medicate themselves with drugs when all they really need is food?

2. Add. Do NOT try to take out all the foods that you eat and love.
This is a discouraging mess. Just add some raw at every meal. Slow and steady wins the race. Someday you will make it to 50%, and then 51%, and who knows where you will go from there?

3. Be patient.
Sometimes our bodies have been malnourished for so long that they simply get overwhelmed with the introduction of raw food to our systems. Start out slow. My body used to get really irritated by raw food. My stomach just didn’t know how to handle anything alive. It was accustomed to food that was dead and processed. Squeeze yourself some fresh veggie juice (store-bought stuff is pasteurized and therefore ‘dead’). Drink it often. Eat some raw veggies. Once you start to feel the love, it will be easier to continue. You’ll be amazed.

4. Add Supplements.
It’s pretty easy to swallow a pill, but be careful. All vitamins are not created equal. Most vitamins contain isolated nutrients and are not whole foods. Our bodies don’t like isolated nutrients. I learned a lot from my friend, Amy, who is an expert on eating raw foods and effective supplementation. She introduced me to a a line of supplements by Dr. Chen -  a physician, pharmacist, and biochemist. I have been eating Dr. Chen’s Nuplus (it’s a whole food shake) for over eight months now and it has helped my tummy get used to raw foods and has eased the transition by lessening my sugar cravings!  LOVE it. * See below for more info on the shake.

3. Don’t give up.
Eat a little raw every day! Even if you miss a meal, get back on the horse. Your body will thank you once you start to feel the biochemical goodies.

Remember! Raw foods have amazing super powers which we need to stay strong and to conquer all those crazy pole moves. We all know that pole dancing gives us special ninja powers, but who knew that eating raw could take things to the next level and make us feel like a superheroes?

Miss October 2010: Bethanie Y.

Occupation:  Structural Engineer

How long have you been pole dancing at Divine? 8 months

Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole? Well, when I was in elementary school, I took ballet, jazz, tap, and gymnastic classes.  But I stopped to play sports and have stayed relatively active.  I typically run, play any type of sport, kickbox, salsa dance, and hike and bike in the summer.  And I always enjoy going out dancing on the weekends, but I have yet to find a good place (good music, large dance floor, ventilation, not always crazy crowded) in Seattle that I can regularly go to, so if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know!

What made you decide to take classes? I was actually visiting one of my friends in Phoenix who mentioned that she knew a woman who owned a pole and really enjoyed pole dancing.  I enjoy dancing and learning new things, so I looked into what Seattle had to offer and came across Divine Movement.

Favorite class? (spins/transitions, inversions, or boudoir), and why? I really enjoy spins/transitions because I like learning new things, especially fun spins!  There are so many spins that I have yet to learn.  I see other students doing them and want to do them as well!  Plus, I like getting a new spin and transition every week that I can use to improve my dance.  Oh, and I also enjoy having the flex time where I can work spins/transitions/climbs that are difficult for me and continue to break in my skin!

What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine? Oh man, so many things!  First, definitely the amazing women I have met.  Everyone is so kind and supportive, not only beautiful dancers but beautiful people.  Secondly, the high I am on after class.  Its hard to explain, but after every class I just feel so good and excited about life and being a woman.  Third, the inspiration and motivation the classes give me.  Its pretty hard to watch the instructors and other students dance and not be motivated to continue to work on my dance and to stay healthy.  They all look SO gorgeous, I obviously want to get to that point also!  And lastly, who doesn’t love dancing?

Platforms or legwarmers? Platforms!  It is kind of funny how long it took me to get the nerve to buy a pair.  I think I had about 6 weeks of spins/transitions classes in before I wore platforms in class.  I just didn’t think I could pull it off!  But now, I love dancing in my platforms!  Sometimes at wear them at home just because I can….

What are you currently working on technically? One-handed spins.  I always feel like I am going to slip off the pole.  But all the other women make one-handed spins look so effortless.  I am determined to get there!  Right now, I get about two in during the pole flow, and that is it.  One day, though, they will be in my dance!  Also, I just started taking inversions, so I will be working on a new invert every week!

What are you working on artistically? Staying out of my head when I am dancing.  I am used to having choreographed routines or a lead to follow so I have been trained to have to hit counts or to be in a certain move at a certain time.  It is pretty hard for me not to think of what is coming next.  But, there have been moments where I just slow down, shut off my brain, and let my body do what it wants.  It is pretty fantastic, so I will continue to work on trusting my body and just be a passenger along for the ride.

Favorite song to dance to? Either ‘Lightning Crashes’ by Live or ‘Do I’ by Alice Smith.

Trick, or Treat? Treat!  I have such a sweet tooth plus I can’t keep a straight face to save my life, so pretty much all of my tricks fall flat.

Any inspirational advice you would like to share with newcomers? Don’t worry about what anyone else in the room is doing.  Just take advantage of the safe space Divine Movement provides and dance for own enjoyment!

Miss September 2010: Quynh-An P.

Occupation:  Lawyer…and I bake on the side

How long have you been pole dancing at Divine?

I started in October 2009…so 11 months now.

Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole?

No, never…although I joke that I was a dancer in my previous life.

What made you decide to take classes?

I’ve been wanting to take it for a while, but was really scared.  My friend, Monica, casually mentioned that she had heard about pole dancing classes.  We both got excited and exclaimed that it was something we actually had both been wanting to try.  We immediately signed up for the intro session before we could think about backing out.  Best decision I have ever made.

Favorite class? (spins/transitions, inversions, or boudoir), and why?

Boudoir. I love the exercises we do at the beginning and feel like they’ve helped me grow as a dancer. I love that feeling of dancing my heart out and forgetting that there are other people in the room.  I love just letting go of everything and feeling the music move me.  I love the emotional release you get after a long day.  I love to dance.

What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine?

I love the people at Divine.  I think it’s what makes this place so special.  It’s such a warm and safe environment for me.  I’ve grown very close to a lot of the students and instructors, and feel comfortable to share a side of myself with them that I don’t think others get to see.  It’s not just a place to go workout….it’s become more than that to me. We’re friends now…I mean, it’s hard to not become friends when you’re half naked and dancing so emotionally with each other day after day.

Platforms or legwarmers?

Platforms, definitely.  I love dancing in my shoes because I hate getting floor burn.  I think I also like the added height.  I’m normally 5′ and my shoes magically make me 5’6″…pretty awesome.

What are you currently working on technically?

I’m working on getting my “opposite side” inversion to be solid.  I can invert up on the opposite side, but I want it solid and I want to get the gemini, scorpion and all the other moves on my opposite side.

What are you working on artistically?

I’ve finally started to let go and start dancing for myself.  It’s an amazing feeling…now I just need to let myself go a bit further and explore a new side of me.  I can be a silly person in real life, I don’t think it translates so well in my dancing and I’d like to try to start showing that as well.

Favorite song to dance to?

I’m on a Florence + the Machine kick right now.  I think almost any song by her is amazing to dance to…especially “Cosmic Love”, “Heavy in Your Arms”, and “Drumming Song”.  I do have to say though, my go-to “I’ve had a crummy day” song is “Breathe Me” by Sia. Never fails me.

Butter Cream or Fondant?

Swiss Meringue Buttercream…the best thing you’ll ever taste. It’s light and fluffy and SO easy to make.  My go-to frosting

Any inspirational advice you would like to share with newcomers?
First off, take the intro class, it’s the best decision you’ll ever make.  And when you get to the point where you feel comfortable….just follow your body.  it definitely knows what it wants to do and how you feel at that moment.  Just let go and dance and forget that anyone is watching…you’re the only one that matters.

Miss August 2010: Riain C.

Occupation: Stripper, Photographer

How long have you been pole dancing at Divine? About a year and a half.

Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole? Five years ago, I spent several years training for the fire department (doing resistance training, running,etc) before switching career directions. I’ve also been a stripper a long time, but ironically never worked with a pole. Aside from pole-dancing, I also bike a little bit, dabble in yoga, and am considering lifting weights again in order to support my love for inversions.

What made you decide to take classes? At Burning Man nearly two years ago, I did my first pole spin (the chopper, I think!) and was hooked. Several months later, I bought a pole for my house on a whim, and after a week of trying to teach myself how to do things, I realized I was in desperate need of guidance. Pole dancing without the proper technique is both more difficult and potentially hazardous.

Favorite class? (spins/transitions, inversions, or boudoir), and why? I love inversions, but boudoir is my favorite. It’s hard to express what a beautiful thing it is to just dance and to witness your classmates dancing, and to feel so creatively energized and encouraged.

What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine? As a person who spends a lot of her time dancing for other people, it’s been amazing to learn how to dance for myself. I can’t say enough about the gorgeous, supportive, and private space that Angi and all of the other instructors create for their students.

Favorite move? I love almost every climbing or inverted move I know. But my longtime fave combo is the gemini to falling star to scorpian (otherwise known as the outside-knee-hang to hip-hold to inside-knee-hang).

Platforms or legwarmers? Platforms, hands down. Legwarmers look fantastic, but make it hard to climb.

What are you currently working on technically? I’ve been trying to strengthen my twisted grip, as well as incorporate the knee hold into my dance. I’m also starting to work on the Ayesha.

What are you working on artistically? I’m laughing as I answer this, because the artistic aspect of dance has always been more of a struggle for me than learning the basic technique. Primarily, I’m working on listening to my body. Which means so many things, from getting out of my head to extending my movement, from being conscious of my breathe when I dance, to slowing down while still allowing some fire to show through.

Favorite song to dance to? ‘Growing old is getting old’ by the Silversun Pickups is just one of many favorites.

Ferris Wheel or Roller Coaster? I love them both!

Any inspirational advice you would like to share with newcomers? Pole-dancing is not easy – it’s challenging physically, as well as emotionally. Be patient, trust your body, and give yourself the time to grow. It’s so worth it.